Penn State wrestling has built itself up as one of the most dominant forces within college sports, and on January 31, 2025, the Nittany Lions faced their closest rival, the Iowa Hawkeyes, at the Bryce Jordan Center. This dual, pitting the #1 ranked Penn State against the #2 Hawkeyes, was anticipated as one of the most significant match-ups of the college wrestling season.
The energy was palpable throughout the venue as fans packed the arena to witness this legendary rivalry come to life. Penn State, under the leadership of head coach Cael Sanderson, was aiming to continue its streak against Iowa, having dominated their last three encounters. The Nittany Lions were not only undefeated for the season but also riding high on recent impressive victories, including decisive wins against #6 Nebraska (31-7) and #12 Rutgers (35-3). This match would mark their third ranked matchup consecutively.
For Iowa, the stakes were equally high. The Hawkeyes wanted to reclaim their position at the top and had prepared extensively, having recently taken on strong competition, defeating #13 Illinois (28-6) and top-ranked Ohio State (24-13). With nine matches between ranked opponents, the dual was set to be filled with intense competition.
The match commenced with excitement focused on the 125-pound weight class, where Penn State's Luke Lilledahl, ranked #9, faced off against Iowa's #23 Joey Cruz. Momentum was fragmented early; Lilledahl had finally gotten his season loss out of the way, positioning him to wrestle more freely. His matchup against Cruz, who also had faced struggles early due to injury, proved to be challenging but exciting. Lilledahl was favored to take the decision, and he did so, scoring early points for Penn State.
At 133 pounds, Penn State’s Braeden Davis took on Iowa’s promising talent, Drake Ayala, ranked #2. While Davis had previously faced setbacks, leveraging the electric atmosphere of the Bryce Jordan Center, this match was speculated to be tightly contested. The matchup favored Ayala, who brought significant experience and was determined to restore Iowa’s point tally.
Fortress Penn State continued to rally support as Beau Bartlett took the mat next at 141 pounds. Fans anticipated victory as Bartlett aimed to clinch the bonus points for his team and, as expected, he delivered—a pinfall triumph met with exuberation from the Nittany Lions faithful.
The dual presented ample intrigue at 149 pounds, where Iowa was represented by Kyle Parco, the seasoned transfer making substantial contributions to the Hawkeyes. Despite low scoring, Parco's presence brought strategic anticipation to his bout against Penn State's Shayne Van Ness. While Parco was favored, the crowd rallied behind Van Ness, urging him onward.
Perhaps the most anticipated match of the evening took place at 157 pounds, featuring #3 Tyler Kasak of Penn State against the formidable Iowa transfer Jacori Teemer who was ranked #1. Their bout was expected to deliver high-paced action, each wrestler vying for dominance. Kasak’s determination to counter Teemer’s reputation energized the audience, and he clinched the decision.
The excitement didn’t wane as the dual moved to 165 pounds, where Penn State’s Mitchell Mesenbrink—the top-ranked wrestler at his weight—faced Iowa’s Michael Caliendo. Mesenbrink had already proven himself during the season, with many expecting him to secure another tech fall. The intense spotlight illuminated his every moment on the mat.
At 174 pounds, Levi Haines of Penn State, currently sitting at #2, took on Iowa’s returning NCAA champion, showcasing heavyweight talent as they vied for points amid fierce competition. Haines was determined to put forth his best effort, pushing past previous doubts.
The anticipation reached its peak when Carter Starocci stepped onto the mat for Penn State against Iowa’s Gabe Arnold. Starocci, overwhelming on his return to the competition, had promised the audience and his opponent, "My head is mine. Book it." This battle became symbolic both for him and the rivalry and led to enthusiastic cheers as he dominated throughout the rounds, asserting total control.
The nail-biting finishes continued through the heavier classes, with Penn State’s Josh Barr, ranked #4 at 197 pounds, engaging Iowa’s top-ranked Stephen Buchanan. This match was pivotal as Barr proved he was ready to confront the pressure of the BJC crowd. Finally, Greg Kerkvliet represented Penn State at heavyweight, where he was favored to score significant points and straightforwardly end the dual on top.
This legendary dual not only excited wrestling fans but presented both teams with larger season aims. The intense rivalry continued to shine, encapsulating the spirit of college wrestling. The ultimate outcomes of these matches would reverberate through the remainder of the season, influencing rankings and setting the tone for the NCAA Championships. The quest for supremacy is always pressing when two storied programs like Penn State and Iowa clash on the mat.
For those who could not attend, the broadcast was accessible through the Big Ten Network, allowing fans to catch every throw and hold remotely. For those without cable, alternatives such as FuboTV provided streaming access, ensuring widespread viewership.
The invigorated participation exemplified how college wrestling retains its passionate following, emphasizing tradition, excellence, and community spirit. With this exhilarating backdrop, fans eagerly anticipate next confrontations, aware of the legacies resting on each encounter.